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Ahot tub is a large tub full of water used forhydrotherapy, relaxation or pleasure. Some have powerful jets for massage purposes. Hot tubs are sometimes also known as "spas" or by the trade nameJacuzzi.[1] Hot tubs may be located outdoors or indoors.
In contrast to a typicalbathtub, a hot tub is designed to be used by more than one person at a time, with many models accommodating four or more people. Unlike baths, soaps and shampoos are not used in wet-jetted hot tubs (although they can be used in air-jetted hot tubs). Home hot tubs are often closer in construction to standard bathtubs, while the construction of a public hot tub often has more in common with aswimming pool, of which it can be considered a type.
The earliest hot tubs werecalderas in which hot stones were placed to heat the water.[citation needed]Therma inIkaria has been a very popular place particularly for hydrotherapy ever since the 4th century B.C.[2] The remains of wrecked marble bathtubs along with a prehistoric aqueduct that have been unearthed from this area bear ample testimony of the place's popularity in the ancient times.[2]
In 737 A.D., Japan's firstonsen opened nearIzumo, Shimane, and centuries later, the firstryokan (inns) were built, offering food, accommodations, and soaking tubs calledofuro.
In ancient Rome, there were three types of baths: Baths at home (balnea), private baths (balnea privata), and public baths (balnea publica). The practice of bathing was so engrained that the Roman legions, during their long occupations in foreign lands, built their own baths at mineral and thermal springs in the newly conquered lands. Examples are found all over Europe.[3]
In the 1940s, hot tubs began to appear in the US, inspired by the Japaneseofuro. Hydrotherapy pumps were introduced byJacuzzi.Fiberglass shell hot tubs appeared around 1970 and were soon superseded by cast acrylic shells.
The plumbing of the hot tub consists of:
Hot tubs are usually heated using anelectric ornatural gas heater, though there are also submersible wood fire hot tub heaters, as well assolar hot water systems. Hot tubs are also found at naturalhot springs; in this case, the water may be dangerously hot and must be combined with cool water for a safe soaking temperature.
Effective insulation greatly improves theenergy efficiency of a hot tub. There are several different styles of hot tub insulation: some manufacturers fill the entire cabinet with foam, while others insulate the underside of the shell, the inside of the cabinet, or both. Many manufacturers advertise the superiority of their approach to insulation, but few independent side-by-side comparisons are available. The hot tub pump and hot tub heater represent most of the power consumption in a hot tub and vary in use of power depending on their size.[4]
Energy efficiency of portable hot tubs has been studied by thePacific Gas and Electric Company (PGEC),[5] leading to industry responses[6] and interest from both theCalifornia Energy Commission andNatural Resources Canada.[citation needed] California's portable electric hot tub listing[5] include R values ofthermal insulation, and standbywatts.[7][8]
In 2019 an update to the ANSI standard for energy efficiency was approved. For the first time, this new standard increases the minimum energy efficiency level for portable spas and inflatable spas.[9][10] Hot tub covers have been shown to reduce most of the evaporative losses from the pool when not in use. With this component of heat loss being 70%,[11] a cover with even a smallR-value is able to achieve as much as a 75% reduction in heating costs when used as opposed to leaving the water surface exposed.[12]
There are several different types of spa covers. Some covers are better for insulation and therefore are lighter on internal parts and energy efficiency. Some examples of covers are insulated, aluminum, rolling, or a tonneau.[citation needed]
Since some hot tubs are not drained after each use it is necessary to treat the water to keep it attractive and safe. It must be neither too alkaline nor too acidic, and must be sanitised to stay free of harmful microorganisms. Partly due to their high water temperatures, hot tubs can pose particular health risks if not regularly maintained:outbreaks ofLegionnaires' Disease have been traced to poorly sanitized hot tubs.[13] Typicallychlorine orbromine are used as sanitizers, butsalt water chlorination is starting to become more common.
Sanitation can also be aided by a non-chemicalozonator.
For aesthetic reasons, and for the sanitizer to work properly, water should be neither tooalkaline nor too acidic (lowpH). The hardness level of the water, measured as the amount of dissolved calcium, is also important. Insufficient hardness can lead to corrosion and water foaming. The ideal range of calcium hardness levels in a hot tub or spa water should be between 150 and 250 ppm (parts per million)[citation needed]
Sitting in water above normal body temperatures can cause drowsiness which may lead to unconsciousness and subsequently result in drowning. TheU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that water temperatures never exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 °F). A temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (100 °F) is considered safe for a healthy adult. Soaking in water above 39 degrees Celsius (102 °F) can cause fetal damage during the first three months of pregnancy.[19]
It is also recommended to installresidual-current devices for protection against electrocution. The greater danger associated with electrical shock in the water is that the person may be rendered immobile and unable to rescue themselves or to call for help and then drown.[20]
Hot tubs and spas are equipped with drains that can create powerful suction and between 1980 and 1996, the CPSC had reports of more than 700 deaths in spas and hot tubs, about one-third of which were drownings to children under age five. In the same period 18 incidents were reported to the CPSC involving body part entrapment. To reduce the risk of entrapment, US safety standards require that each spa have two drains for each pump, reducing the amount of suction.[21] From 1999 to 2007 there were 26 reports to the CPSC concerning circulation entrapments hot tubs and spas, including three deaths.[22]
In 2001[23] and in 2012[24] the CPSC issued recalls for spa heaters which overheated and caused fires.
TheUniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code is a model code developed by theInternational Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to govern the installation and inspection of plumbing systems associated with swimming pools, spas and hot tubs as a means of promoting the public's health, safety and welfare.[25]
Poorly sanitized hot tubs have been linked to a number of diseases, principally caused byfacultative anaerobic bacteria. Such incidents includehot tub folliculitis andlegionellosis.[26][27]
Media related toWhirlpool baths at Wikimedia Commons